Violent Crime Down; Property Theft Up

"Violent crime is down," Lt. Hitchcock of the Metropolitan Police Department told the April 4 meeting of the ANC 2E. In his police area (PSA206), "there have been eight robberies in 2011 compared to 11 this time last year," he said. But, he cautioned, property crime has increased.

Property crimes, specifically burglaries (breaking and entering) and thefts, have risen throughout the District, according to the Washington Post. Compared to last year at this time, burglaries are up 18% and thefts are up 23% citywide. Persons walking and using iPhones and similar devices are particular targets to thieves, especially in Ward 2, which has a reported property crime increase of 46% this year over last, according to The Washington Post.

At the ANC meeting, Hitchcock said he wants to hold separate meetings for the neighborhood and businesses. "We need your help,” he said. “…If something is suspicious. Call 911; you can remain anonymous."

According to the MPD, 117 cases of burglary have been reported in Ward 2 since Jan. 1. Georgetown University's Department of Public Safety reported 42 instances of property crime for the first two months of 2011, according to the Hoya. For all of Georgetown, the most common crime is the simple grabbing of a smartphone or a laptop.